Celebrating All Things Connecticut at the MxCC Foundation’s Red Moon Fest

The Middlesex Community College Foundation hosts the Red Moon Fest on September 12, marking the fourth year the Foundation has celebrated all things “grown, made and created in Connecticut.”  This fundraising celebration, which will take place on the College’s Middletown campus, benefits MxCC students and programs. The event starts at 6 p.m. in the College’s new Pavilion at Founders Hall with a cocktail hour featuring local beers, wines, and artisanal foods, along with a silent auction and entertainment.  It then moves over to Chapman Hall for heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a live auction.  For full details, and to purchase tickets ($75 each), visit mxcc.edu/redmoon. 

Honorary co-chairs and goodwill ambassadors for this year’s fest are Carrie Carella from NoRA Cupcake Company and Phil Ouellette of Eli Cannon’s Tap Room. Both are credited with helping revitalize Middletown’s NoRA district (previously known as the North End) – and serve as inspiring examples of the importance of building a community.

As co-owner Eli Cannon’s Tap Room – which was named Business of the Year by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce – Phil has been an important part of Middletown’s business and social scene for more than 20 years.  He is an active member at the Chamber and its mentoring program, and has served on the board of directors for the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Phil received the Middletown Design Award from the city, and has been recognized by Governor Dannel P. Malloy for his contributions to the local community. 

 

Carrie Carella, who took courses at Middlesex Community College while pursuing her many degrees, established the award-winning NoRA Cupcake Company in 2012 along with business partner Phil Ouelette.  The idea for this company came to her while working for 15 years as Eli Cannon’s Tap Room’s general manager.  She credits Phil for helping develop her marketing and customer service skills, along with a sharp business acumen – key elements to being successful in the highly competitive and crowded food service industry.

Council Votes In Favor of Mayoral Compromise on Parks and Fields Bond Referendum

A divided Common Council voted to approve a compromise to the parks and playing fields bond referendum offered by Mayor Dan Drew.

The 7-5 vote saw Democrat Tom Serra joining Republican Council members (Kleckowski, Giuliano, Bauer, Russo-Driska) opposing the compromise, while the remaining Democrats voting for the compromise (Daley, Chisem, Streeto, Bartolotta, Kasper, Santangelo and Faulkner).

The special meeting was called by Drew to address concerns about the bond issue voted into effect on August 24 by the Council which would have provided $37 million for new natural grass fields and park improvements.  The compromise lowered the bond amount to $33.45 million, added 4-6 new playing fields and extended improvement to fields not noted in the original language to satisfy residents who felt that some schools, especially those in urban neighborhoods, had been ignored by the initial bond proposal.

Several residents spoke about the issue during the public hearing.

Advocates from the town's sporting leagues raised issues of playing time and quality of fields hoping to defeat the measure. Resident Michelle Malloy said it was important that the city should better its reputation with other sports leagues, asking that "we strive to be the best we can be."

Residents opposing the use of artificial turf reiterated concerns about health and safety issues they had made at the previous meeting. Moses Harvell said, "Use what the good lord blessed us with: dirt and natural grass."

Council members opposed to compromise cited lack of a detailed plan with the compromise package. Some questioned where the new proposed fields would be built, and were not satisfied that there wasn't a ready answer.   Council member Seb Giuliano advocated for an approach which would allow for new artificial turf technologies in the future.  In a florid speech he compared the compromise bond language to Humpty Dumpty, broken apart, and unable to be put together again.  Council member Sandra Russo-Driska, who is running for mayor, indicated that it was unrealistic to expect to reach the staffing levels needed in the future to maintain parks since past performance indicated that future councils would not vote for adequate personnel.

Council member Gerry Daley agreed with the maintenance issue, "We have to face up to maintenance in the next budget cycle." But he stressed the need to do something for the parks, "I don't think we should delay, this is long overdue." Others in favor of the compromise cited the need to err on the side of safety when it came to constructing fields of real grass, and not artificial turf, and the overall need to pay attention to parks which have suffered neglect for years.

In a separate resolution, the Council voted to bifurcate bonding language to separate the request for parks money from the request for additional dollars for sewer line construction, making them separate questions for the ballot.

In addition, the bifurcation allows the parks and fields bond to be challenged again at the next Council meeting where it's expected that opponents will once again try to defeat the compromise by having it removed completely from the ballot.

Cat Tales ~ Cat of the Week ~ JACKIE!!

Cat Tales presents... Cat of the Week!!

JACKIE!!

Gender:  Female

Breed:  Domestic Short Hair

Color:  Black

Age:  2 years

Hello! My name is Jackie. I'm a cute, very sweet, affectionate girl who craves attention!  I lived with my owner who died suddenly and I was found hanging out at the house waiting for her to return. I'm now at Cat Tales with four kittens of my own. I would love to feel the warmth and security of a loving home again. I would also like to know that my kittens will have a safe and happy home too. I am FIV+. Humans and dogs cannot catch this and it is only transmitted to other cats through blood. I am not a lover, not a fighter so this would not happen. Cats with my condition can live long, happy, healthy lives just like any cat - with no symptoms at all. I would only need 2 vet visits per year, or as often as my doctor advises. To learn more about FIV, visit http://www.CatTalesCT.org/fiv-felv/  Please come meet me! I have lots of snuggles for you!

No Dogs, please.

On the Web:  http://www.CatTalesCT.org/cats/JACKIE/

Phone:  (860) 344-9043

Email:  ​​Info@CatTalesCT.org​

Opinion: Artificial Turf with "Organic" Infill Still a Costly Risk to our Children and the Environment

Dear Mayor Drew and Members of the Common Council,

I am concerned about the recent flurry of activity associated with revisiting the parks improvement bond language. I want to make it clear that those of us who spoke out against artificial turf at last week's hearing do not support any form of artificial turf, including artificial turf with "organic" infill. 


As mentioned by some who oppose artificial turf at the hearing, the alternative infills have not been tested independently, so it is not known whether they are safe relative to traditional crumb rubber infill, nor is it known what the long term impacts to players may be. Further, any form of artificial turf is still composed of plastic blades of grass, which result in "turf burn" injuries and unsafe high surface temperatures. 

The environmental concerns associated with converting pervious natural grass fields to impervious plastic artificial surfaces would be the same, no matter what the infill.  

Use of artificial turf fields would also limit the use of fields intended for public use and supported by public funds. When converted to artificial turf, they would no longer be available for use by members of the public for activities other than sanctioned organized team sports. 

Last but not least, the cost of artificial turf, would be exorbitant, even more so with "organic" infill. From what I understand, the infill composed of coconut fiber costs nearly three times as much as crumb rubber infill, about $50,000 more per field, and would have a lifespan of 2-3 years instead of the 8-10 year lifespan of the rubber crumbs. The huge expense--for initial installation, and disposal and replacement--would be an unnecessary expense that should not be borne by the City's taxpayers. 

Should artificial turf re-enter the equation as far as the parks improvement bond is concerned, you can be sure that I would not support the referendum and would lobby heavily against it, as I believe would be the case for others opposing artificial turf. 

Again, we should "Play it Safe" where our children, the environment and limited financial resources are concerned, and improve our playing fields by making the switch to affordable and safe organically maintained natural grass fields.
Sincerely,

Jane Brawerman 

Note: This letter was sent to the Mayor and Common Council on Sept. 1, 2015, by Jane Brawerman, Middletown resident, parent, environmental professional, and member of the Conservation Commission. As a point of clarification, the"organic" infill referred to in the letter is a plant-based infill made of coconut fiber and cork.

Consulting Firm Confirms Mayor's Compromise Plan For Playing Fields

Last week the Common Council, in a very close vote, decided to change a bond referendum to eliminate synthetic turf fields. After changing the language, the Council unanimously approved sending the $37M to the ballot so that residents could decide. Usually, once a vote has been taken, the Council moves on to other business, but Councilman Tom Serra, who voted against the change to the language, signaled that he wanted a chance to do the vote over again.

Mayor Drew proposed a compromise plan that would increase the number of fields but leave all of them as natural grass. Today, he released a letter from the consulting firm hired by the city to evaluate the city's parks and recreation facilities. The letter buttresses the feasibility of Drew's compromise for the bond referendum.

Milone and MacBroom confirmed the mayor's contention that the city can save $3.5M by foregoing synthetic turf. They also wrote that 6 additional fields would satisfy all of the demand for playing surfaces in the city.

In releasing the letter, Drew wrote, "This approach saves the taxpayers millions of dollars, meets athletic league capacity, and preserves a grass approach to field construction. Our parks bond has dozens of incredibly important, once-in-a-generation improvements and this compromise ensures that the entire community's needs are met."

The Common Council is meeting at 6PM on Wednesday, September 2nd, to re-consider the Bond Referendum.

Final Concert in the 2015 Summer Sounds Series Tonight featuring the Middletown Symphonic Band at Harbor Park Pavilion

This final performance of the 2015 Summer Sounds will take place in Harbor Park at the pavilion located just south of the Mattabesett Canoe Club (for those directionally challenged, that would be the pavilion between the Canoe Club and the crew/rowing building). There is limited parking right there at the pavilion.

The City Arts Office/MCA present the annual Summer Sounds series on Tuesdays at Harbor Park from July 7 through September 1. The shows begin at 7 p.m., there's plenty of parking in the Municipal parking lot at Melilli Plaza (it's free after 7 p.m.). From the parking lot, it's a short walk to the park via the Harbor Park pedestrian tunnel.

Here's this year's last show!

Sept. 1
Middletown Symphonic Band - popular tunes

Date:  Sep 1 2015
Time: 7:00 pm

Labor Day Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

Labor Day Weekend at The Buttonwood Tree

Friday, September 4

The Dr. Steve Band

"Mind-bending, Original Groove Music"

8pm, $10

Noted for it's catchy grooves, trippy lyrics and top-notch musicianship, The Dr. Steve Band is fronted by psychologist/singer/songwriter Steven Prasinos. He writes "songs that make you think, laugh and cry (Hi5NetTV)." Mike Gieralt plays lead guitar, Gary Gieralt is on bass and Eugene Zampieron provides percussion. There will be foot tapping, soul searching and belly laughing. Come hear "The Duck in the Truck and the Cow in the Now," "Twisted Men," and "My Third Eye."
For more information go to drstevesongs.com.

Saturday, September 5

Ameranouche

"Gypsy Flamenco Swing"

8pm, $12

The New Hampshire trio Ameranouche (pronounced ‘uh-Mare-uh-noosh') features two European designed and built acoustic jazz guitars and an upright bass, and is a winner of the “Best of New Hampshire Acoustic Act“ award as well as being veterans of the famed Newport Jazz Festival. The group tours nationally, year-round, and has released five albums of largely original music in a style they call ‘Gypsy Flamenco Swing.'This rip-roaring ensemble is a super-force of hot acoustic Gypsy inspired music, mixing flamenco, bebop, Philly soul, traditional Turkish and jazz swing influences, producing music that is rhythmic, vigorous, passionate and elegant.Ameranouche's brand new CD, Sun Shine Soul, is a collection of originals and interpretations that reflect their many musical influences, all done in their Gypsy Flamenco Swing hybrid style.
Learn more here: www.ameranouche.com 

 

Weekly Events at The Buttonwood Tree

Weekly Events at The Buttonwood Tree

Tuesday, September 1

6pm Laughter Yoga (Donations Welcomed)

Come laugh, relax, and improve your health!

7pm Vegetarian Potluck

Thursday, September 3

5-7pm Art Walk

September's art show is A Cat's Life: Charcoal Works by Dave Kopperman and Kate Ten Eyck Drawings from the animated short film "Don Henley."  To preview some of these charcoal pieces and Kopperman's music (he will play at Buttonwood on September 11) check out the music video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gHiDcsZUa4

7pm Acoustic Open Mic with Bob Gotta ($5)

Every First Thursday of every month, Bob Gotta hosts acoustic open mic. Sign-up starts at 6:30. 

Bring your own instrument or play our piano or congas. 

Come play and be heard!

 

September Events at Russell Library

Russell Library is a hub of activity this September.

September marks the start of the school year, and Russell Library is reflecting that same energy. In addition to our children's programming, our reading and writing groups, and the beginning of the monthly Friends' Book Sales, we've got some special events planned!
 
September 12th at 2:00 p.m.:  Jazz Up Close Resonant Motion, Inc. and series curator Noah Baerman presents the third of four installments in the 2015 Jazz Up Close series. Renowned drummer and composer Victor Lewis will be featured in a trio with bassist Henry Lugo and pianist Noah Baerman.

September 15th at noon: We begin the first of our film discussion series. This series is entitled, Pre-Code Hollywood: Sin on the Silver Screen, featuring four films that were made before the censorship system was instituted in 1934. The first film is "One Hour With You" from 1932.

September 15th, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.: We are privileged to be part of the New England tour of a Mexican puppet company called Facto Teatro. Along with New York City-based Great Small Works and German puppeteer Barbara Steinitz, the troupe will perform Three Toy Theater Tales: A Puppet Show for family audiences. Thanks goes to La Boca Restaurant and Cantina for donating dinner to the performers!

September 17th, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Award winning dancer/choreographer Eiko Otake will be performing A Body in a Library as part of her solo series, “The Body in Places” in the public spaces of Russell Library. A discussion with the audience follows the performance. 

 

Greenskies to Build Solar Installation on Wesleyan Campus

A Greenskies press release. Robert Landino, owner of Centerplan Construction, is chairman of the Greenskies board.
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The ground-mounted solar array will be built at the corner of Long Lane and Wadsworth Road on the Wesleyan campus, where it will produce 1.2 million kilowatt hours of clean renewable electricity per year.

"We are proud to be partnering with Wesleyan on this initiative," said James Desantos, Greenskies' vice president of business development. "As a leader in sustainability since the 1980s, Wesleyan's vision and efforts to create a sustainable campus are unparalleled and we are excited to be a partner in this endeavor."

Greenskies was awarded the project based on the results of a competitive bidding process. The new solar PV array will work in collaboration with two existing natural gas co-generation facilities on the Wesleyan campus and will supply power directly to the university's existing micro-grid. The plan also calls for several campus buildings that are not currently part of the micro-grid system to be tied into the network.

"We are excited to partner with Greenskies on this project, which will take us closer toward our goal of a carbon neutral campus," said John Meerts, Wesleyan's vice president for Finance and Administration. "The new solar array will help us reduce costs while increasing our energy self-reliance, together with our two natural gas co-generation facilities."

Wesleyan and Greenskies will enter into a power-purchase agreement, where Greenskies will design, develop, finance, own, and maintain the solar installation for the next 20 years at no cost to the university while Wesleyan agrees to purchase 100 percent of the electricity produced at the site at a significantly discounted rate.

Greenskies will start construction in the spring of 2016 and is anticipating that the project will be completed by Sept. 1, 2016.

Greenskies is a 7-year-old company that designs, builds and maintains solar photovoltaic systems for corporate clients, municipalities and government agencies, educational institutions and utilities throughout the United States. Solar installations designed and built by Greenskies have now produced about 40 million kilowatt hours of clean electric power.